2012 Nissan Versa Sedan launched in NYC – it’s the Sunny!

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan launched in NYC – it’s the Sunny!

Nissan has unveiled the Versa Sedan for North America at the ongoing New York auto show. As you can see, the Versa Sedan is the same car as the Sunny that debut in Guangzhou last year, but with a different name. In the US, Versa refers to the hatchback we know as the Latio Sport. The busy company also just unveiled the new Tiida hatch in Shanghai.

This 2012 model year Versa Sedan is being tagged as the “Big Small Car”, one that offers mid size tech without the mid size price – it starts at $10,990. The mid size tech Nissan is talking about includes things like Fine Vision instruments, Bluetooth, navigation system with 5-inch touch-screen display, Satellite Radio and an iPod/USB interface.

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan launched in NYC – it’s the Sunny!

The Versa Sedan/Sunny sits on Nissan’s global V platform (V for Versatile), which also underpins the March. Compared to the Versa hatchback’s B platform, the V utilises nearly 20% fewer components and weighs around 150 pounds less. Size wise, this car’s footprint isn’t that different from its predecessor (Latio to us); width is the same while length is up by 11 mm to make 4,426 mm.

The 2,600 mm wheelbase is unchanged. Nissan claims better rear legroom than the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Lexus LS460. Sounds incredulous, but having sat in it before, I believe them. Sometimes, it’s not about the bare figures but the packaging.

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan launched in NYC – it’s the Sunny!

The exterior is identical with the car we saw in Guangzhou, down to the same rims, and the differences in the cabin is down to spec. The car we see here has steering wheel controls and electric wing mirror controls that the China spec we shot didn’t, but it looks like auto climate control won’t be available in the US – there are three rotary knobs in a triangle in place of the Sunny’s donut-like controls.

Under the hood is the 1.6-litre HR16DE 4-cylinder engine with twin CVTC, bigger brother of the HR15DE used in the Chinese Sunny. Compared to previous versions, this latest HR gets two injectors for every cylinder. The finer spray from the smaller nozzles brings more stable combustion. The engine makes 109 hp at 6,000 rpm and 145 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The Sunny’s HR15DE has 110 hp (112 PS) at 5,600 and 139 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

2012 Nissan Versa Sedan launched in NYC – it’s the Sunny!

Transmission options are between a five-speed manual and the Xtronic CVT. The latter is the latest gen design that adds an auxiliary gearbox using planetary gearing, helping improve efficiency. It also has a transmission ratio of 7.3:1, broader than those of conventional CVTs and typical 7-speed autos. Friction is reduced by about 30%, weight by about 13% and overall size by about 10% versus the previous Versa Sedan’s CVT.

To be manufactured at Nissan’s Aguascalientes, Mexico plant that also builds Sentras for the US, the Versa Sedan goes on sale this summer in the States.

Full gallery after the jump. Click here to view the Sunny world debut in China last year.

[zenphotopress number=999 album=2197]

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • endre on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:37 am

    nice..!

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    • ericmaxman on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:35 am

      so nice that it still uses torsion beam. ;)

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      • Danny Tan (Member) on Apr 22, 2011 at 12:14 pm

        Which carmaker isn’t using torsion beam for this class of car?

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      • 4g63tdsm on Apr 22, 2011 at 2:07 pm

        whats wrong with that? especially at this price point and market segment. makes for a very spacious boot and passenger compartment.

        You are not buying a sporty car at this price…

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  • ericmaxman on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:37 am

    our local sentra is way overdue for a change. ETC still injecting life into the 10 year old Sentra. bravo~

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  • stallionxp on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:39 am

    gone are the ABSORBER BUMPERS, but whats the price here?

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    • TallPan on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:59 am

      lol i remember those! i kissed the ass of a mercedes C class at around 30kph, only very minor damage to both cars :-P

      i think Nissan design is heading the way of the korean cars of old… boring, safe, unimaginative, uncle, ugly even. What irks me is that this same company can produce gems like Fairlady Z, Murano, and this beauty http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nissan_Skyline_Crossover_001.JPG

      why la Nissan?

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  • HonDie-lah on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:48 am

    Why are Nissan normal road going cars so boring…. on the other hand, the GTR and Fairlady Z are so nice!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • ForteLover on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:17 am

      bcoz that’s how they want to treat poorman and richguy.

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    • chris on Apr 23, 2011 at 11:57 am

      i think is the time to change nissan designer , kia and hyundai aldy win them

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Titit on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Hmmmm looks like a hatchback turned sedan car…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • ONEcountry?? on Apr 22, 2011 at 10:55 am

    haiz… the old b15 looks much better. the new one seem like wired design.

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  • 1underground on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:08 am

    wow..prices starts from 11k = RM 33000 !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • teelim on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:08 am

    Another typical looking Nissan. Sure won’t sell based on its looks.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nolan on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:11 am

    another disaster from Nissan………so boring inside and out……

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • CamPor on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:11 am

    boring design…like for uncle…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Kevin on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:31 am

    TC, please bring this in and flood the 80k-90k market segment… give the TV and HC a good run..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • 1underground says:
      22/4/2011 at 11:08 am

      wow..prices starts from 11k = RM 33000 !

      So, (RM 33k + RM40k Tax = RM73k for Malaysian)

      Dear Kevin,

      Why U want paid 80~90k??? ask for below RM70k lah!!!!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Kevin on Apr 22, 2011 at 3:34 pm

        based on reality.. u know this wouldnt be priced below 70k rite? look at latio… i think 80k is already somewhat “reasonable” for a japanese sub-C segment which will likely be more value for money compared to a B segment..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • ya, I know, thats why never look at the Latio… U can c why most ppl go for T or H….

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  • legend…. the name of “sunny”

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  • Dinocomot on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:40 am

    they are more looking like a chinese car lately. sigh

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  • looks boring :-)

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  • race_fan on Apr 22, 2011 at 11:56 am

    dash console looks cheapskate.. the rounded aircond vent also looks outdated
    but the price offered do the justice

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  • VoidDance on Apr 22, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    What is wrong with Japan car manufacturer’s designer nowadays? Their design seem to be getting worst.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • normal_user on Apr 22, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    The persona R is more aggressive than this Versa/Sunny. Looks too soft and feminine.

    The dash interior looks different from the Tiida hatch. Any reason why?

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    • Danny Tan (Member) on Apr 22, 2011 at 12:24 pm

      The names may be a little confusing, but this is a completely different car from the new Tiida hatch, and the current Versa hatch in the US (Latio Sport)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Janice on Apr 22, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Also looks like it has the turbo engine from the Juke. Sweet!

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  • Car Driver on Apr 22, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    Looks very underpower to me. 1.6L makes only 109 hp but Honda City 1.5L already make 120hp. Toyota Vios 1.5L already making 109hp. Then what is the extra 0.1L ==> translate to higher fuel consumption?

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    • alldisc on Apr 22, 2011 at 6:06 pm

      every engine can be tuned to what the engineers desire.

      example a 1,000cc for a car may have 50hp only, but the torque is high and spread nicely through the rev range.

      for superbikes – the engines have totally different charecteristics though. latest kawasaki 1000SX has 130hp but low on torque and it is fine because bikes are a lot lighter than cars.

      big capacities engines normally would have better pulling power @ torque and this is useful when it comes to economy and driveability. i believe this Nissan’s 1.6 is like that.

      similar to proton’s campro 1.6 has 110hp, and waja’s mitsubishi 4G18 engine has a lower 103hp but more driveable.

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  • wolfsburg on Apr 22, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Super boring design… Nissan should now learn from hyundai and kia…

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  • Seriously on Apr 22, 2011 at 3:09 pm

    UGh-GELI!

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  • Spoiled the Legend “Sunny” Repo.

    What happen to Nissan Designer ??

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  • zanggief on Apr 22, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    it is very same as the chinese version…juz wonder how TC going to place this car as a replacement of latio or the ‘datuk’ sentra…

    Just want to share some images (familiar model with different name and brand) of ShangHai autoshow per following link:
    http://www.autohome.com.cn/chezhan/

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  • mystvearn on Apr 22, 2011 at 4:54 pm

    Put this sticker for Malaysia market and it will sell:

    “Awas absorber bumper” :P

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  • drchan on Apr 22, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    what a name… first it’s Latio, then Tiida…. guess what’s next, Dildo? Fugly car awards go to Nissan uncontested!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • montana on Apr 22, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    like shit

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  • Car Driver on Apr 23, 2011 at 2:42 am

    Dont Shit Nissan. Just heard Nissan Leaf won 2011 Car Of The Year….

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  • Car Driver on Apr 23, 2011 at 3:47 am

    Dont shit Nissan…think again.. Nissan Leaf Just won 2011 Car of The year

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  • At first glance i thought i was looking at a Lexus/Vios hybrid (the grill kinda resemble one)

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  • waja2007 on Apr 23, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    i thought i saw a baby Teana..

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  • ONEcountry?? on Apr 23, 2011 at 12:49 pm

    whats wrong with Nissan? poor design!! are they focusing on younger generation market or 70 to 80 years old uncle market?

    but their sports car are great!!!

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  • ajiroh on Jul 19, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    this is legendary design…it looks like nissan altima.. u guys don’t know about nissan…

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